Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Oxybenzone

Oxybenzone: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is oxybenzone?

Oxybenzone is a chief ingredient in sunscreens and skin-care products. The primary function of oxybenzone is to block harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and prevent UV rays from reaching the skin. UV rays are known to cause skin cancer. Oxybenzone prevents the direct interaction of skin with these harmful rays. Oxybenzone is a benzophenone derivative. Its use is limited to sunscreens for adults. It should be kept away from infants and children.

What are the uses of oxybenzone?

Oxybenzone, an ingredient in sunscreens, helps to block UV rays. It is. There are various forms of sunscreen, such as cream, lotion, gel, spray, and lip balm. The other forms of using oxybenzone are banned. Apply the sunscreen to the skin that is exposed to sunlight. Avoid contact with your eyes. Oxybenzone should be avoided by those who are allergic to the contents of the sunscreen.

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    What are the side effects of oxybenzone?

    Oxybenzone is not known to cause harm when it is used as sunscreen. The intake of tablets containing oxybenzone can cause damage to your body. Any allergic reactions to the compound should be taken seriously, and its use should be restricted. Its side effects include rashes, severe itching, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Oxybenzone gets absorbed into the skin, unlike other chemical substances used in sunscreens. Hence, it’s likely to remain in circulation for a long time.

    What is Oxybenzone

    Uses of Oxybenzone

    Side effects of Oxybenzone

    References

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Oxybenzone

    Oxybenzone is not known to cause harm when it is used as sunscreen. The intake of tablets containing oxybenzone can cause damage to your body. Any allergic reactions to the compound should be taken seriously, and its use should be restricted. Its side effects include rashes, severe itching, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Oxybenzone gets absorbed into the skin, unlike other chemical substances used in sunscreens. Hence, it’s likely to remain in circulation for a long time.

    Chemical substances such as oxybenzone can remain for up to seven days in the body. It is known to pass through breast milk and should not be used by women who are breastfeeding. It should not be used by pregnant women either. It can cause congenital disabilities, such as Hirschsprung’s disease, in newborns.

    You should avoid using sunscreen containing oxybenzone on your lips. Although using sunscreen on the lips is highly recommended, using chemical sunscreens can cause more harm than good. Oxybenzone can have several side effects if it enters the body. It is a hormonally active compound and can have several adverse effects. Mineral-based sunscreens are recommended for the lips.

    Chemical substances such as oxybenzone can irritate the skin and increase the chances of causing acne. Avoid using Oxybenzone if you have sensitive skin or acne-prone skin. If your skin is prone to acne, you should choose mineral-based sunscreens. Moreover, certain medicines used to treat acne can increase the sensitivity of the skin to the sun. In such situations, sunscreens can be applied after the topical anti-acne product.

    The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of oxybenzone in sunscreens and considers it to be safe. However, a few studies prove that oxybenzone causes harm to the skin. It can increase the chances of causing skin allergies and pigmentation. However, it is recommended to use sunscreens containing oxybenzone only after consulting a doctor.

    The use of oxybenzone in sunscreens is safe. However, you should be vigilant about any adverse reactions you may face after using any type of sunscreen. You should avoid using products that you are allergic to. If you have contact dermatitis or any other skin disease, you should consult a doctor before using chemical products on your skin. You should get medical advice from a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Oxybenzone can get absorbed from your skin and cross the bloodstream to cause congenital disabilities in children, such as Hirschsprung’s disease.

    Oxybenzone may cause skin darkening. This condition is also known as hyperpigmentation. The reason behind this hyperpigmentation is that oxybenzone is known to be a hormonally active component. Skin darkening can occur because of stress or exposure to certain chemical substances.

    When used in combination with a few other chemicals, oxybenzone can cause skin lightening. Skin lightening can only occur by preventing the deposition of pigments or melanin on the skin. The main function of oxybenzone is to prevent UV rays from harming the skin. However, the lightening of the skin is caused by another compound called hydroquinone.

    Ideally, no sunscreen should cause a burning sensation on the skin. However, in a condition called irritant contact dermatitis, you may experience a burning sensation, itching and allergic reaction to sunscreen either immediately or after a few days of using it. If you are allergic to sunscreen, you may experience swelling, itching, burning sensations, and rashes.

    Yes, oxybenzone can be used twice a day on the face. You should use it regularly to get the maximum results. However, precautions should be taken when applying sunscreen to the face, as oxybenzone irritates the eyes (it should not be used near them). Any accidental application to the eyes or nasal mucosa should be rinsed off with water.

    To understand the uses of oxybenzone and how it can help you, consult our team of expert doctors who can guide you through and monitor the treatment against the side effects of oxybenzone.